The Ultimate Guide to Natural Antioxidants for Skin

Antioxidants are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Free radicals are among the most common causes of premature aging in the skin. These pesky molecules wreak havoc on your skin cells and surrounding tissue. Antioxidants are one way to protect against damage from free radicals, UV rays, and environmental pollutants. In this article, we break down some of the most popular types of natural antioxidants for skin: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Polyphenols, Carotenoids, and Flavonoids, highlighting the most popular types in each category. So, let’s jump right in!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of most potent and well-researched natural antioxidants for skin. In combination with Vitamin E and Ferulic acid this is the most studied combination of antioxidants to protect and brighten your skin. Vitamin C is specifically known for its ability to give you an even blemish-free complexion. Additionally, because it is an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals. The ability to neutralize free radicals means it stops them from breaking down important structural proteins in your skin, like collagen and elastin and killing skin cells.

Common Types of Vitamin C Used in Skincare Products

Ascorbic Acid (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Ascorbic acid is the most effective and widely used form of Vitamin C in skincare. It brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen production. One of the drawbacks is that it can be irritating to people with sensitive skin. Additionally, it can be challenging for chemists to make the product stable when it contains ascorbic acid. Light and heat can easily cause the ascorbic acid in a product to degrade. Usually, the product will start to get more yellow or orange as the Vitamin C breaks down.

Sodium or Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

These are two more stable, water-soluble forms of Vitamin C that are gentle on the skin and effective against acne. They are easier to formulate with, but they are not as potent as ascorbic acid. They are not as effective as ascorbic acid and there is only really evidence that they behave like antioxidants, not that they have brightening abilities.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

A very stable and potent form of Vitamin C that combines the benefits of being both water and oil-soluble. Increased stability is desirable for formulators because it makes it easier to create products. There is also evidence that this derivative penetrates deeply into the skin. Although there is not as much data to support its effects as ascorbic acid, the emerging evidence is that it can provide robust antioxidant protection and significant brightening effects. It is also effective in boosting collagen synthesis and reducing hyperpigmentation. However, it is not as irritating as ascorbic acid. This makes 3-0 ethyl ascorbic acid a great alternative to ascorbic acid if you have sensitive or sensitized skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another one of the powerful natural antioxidants for skin that protects and repairs the skin. Known for its moisturizing and healing properties, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated. Vitamin E also works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, to enhance their protecting and brightening abilities.

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Common Types of Vitamin E

Tocopherol

This antioxidant acts like a shield, protecting skin cells from damage caused by daily environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. Tocopherol is another antioxidant for the skin that can help keep your skin looking bright and youthful and may even aid in wound healing. While tocopherol is a powerful ingredient, it’s important to note that most research suggests it may be best absorbed by your skin when combined with vitamin C.

Tocopheryl Acetate

Tocopheryl acetate is another form of vitamin E often found in skincare products. It’s essentially tocopherol, with a little tweak. This molecular tweak makes it more stable than tocopherol. Product formulators like this ingredient because it means tocopheryl acetate has a longer shelf life in products. However, it is not as strong of an antioxidant for skin as tocopherol. Additionally, it is less likely to break down when exposed to light and heat, like many of the most effective antioxidants.

While this is great for manufacturers, some research suggests tocopheryl acetate might not be absorbed by the skin, and neither can plain tocopherol. So, while it’s a safe and effective ingredient, look for products that contain both tocopherol acetate (for stability) and tocopherol (for maximum skin benefits).

Tocotrienols

This is one of the less common tocopherol-like molecules. It offers similar antioxidant benefits but with a unique twist. Their structure allows them to penetrate deeper into your skin, potentially providing more comprehensive protection. However, one of the trade-offs that commonly comes with deeper skin penetration is the increased risk of irritation. So, if you have sensitive skin, just be mindful of this and slowly introduce it into your skincare routine. Research suggests tocotrienols might offer additional benefits, like helping improve collagen production and reduce inflammation.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. These molecules protect plants from the UV and environmental stressors our skin faces. They are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in plants, so it only makes sense that scientists try to extract and leverage these benefits for humans. They are often derived from fruits, vegetables, teas, and other plant sources.

Common Types of Polyphenols

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in red wine, grapes, peanuts, and berries. While research is ongoing to fully understand its benefits in humans, resveratrol shows promise in protecting skin cells from damage caused by UV rays. It might also help improve blood flow to the skin, giving your complexion a healthy flush.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is used to stabilize and enhance the efficacy of other antioxidants, especially in combination with Vitamins C and E. It neutralizes free radicals and shields your skin from sun damage. Ferulic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and calm irritation. While ferulic acid might not be a miracle ingredient, it can significantly enhance the benefits of your entire skincare routine, especially when combined with other antioxidant powerhouses.

Carotenoids, Pigment Antioxidants for Skin

Carotenoids are pigments in plants that give fruits and vegetables vibrant colors.

Common Types of Carotenoids

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is found in vibrant orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots. In addition to being an antioxidant and helping fight free radicals that damage the skin, it is also a provitamin called A carotenoid. This means your body can convert it to Vitamin A in the skin. Vitamin A and its derivatives, like retinol, are very popular in skin care because they speed up the time it takes your skin to make new, fresh layers. However, it’s important to note that high doses can cause a temporary orange skin tone.

A recent TikTok trend that said you should eat three carrots a day to get an internal tan is just about consuming an excess of beta-carotene. And although there may be a bunch of TikTok videos recommending you try this, anything in excess can be dangerous, and eating so much of a food that it turns your skin oranges is excess. Incorporating this into your skincare routine in moderation is fine, but you don’t want to overconsume them.

Lutein

This carotenoid pigment is found in leafy greens and egg yolks. There is evidence that it not only has the typical properties of antioxidants, but also some early studies suggest it might help reduce redness and dark spots. While more research is needed, lutein creams could be a promising addition to your skincare routine!

Lycopene

This carotenoid pigment gives tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruits their color. Like other natural antioxidants for skin, lycopene acts like a shield, protecting your skin cells from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Studies suggest it may help reduce your risk of sunburn.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a large group of phytonutrients found in many fruits and vegetables. They are a subgroup of polyphenols. They are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce signs of aging. Some flavonoids even have some evidence of enhancing the skin’s defense mechanisms and improving its ability to heal and regenerate. They are also effective in soothing irritated skin and reducing redness.

Common Types of Flavonoids

Quercetin

It is found in many fruits and vegetables. Not only is there evidence that quercetin has the typical properties of antioxidants for skin, but also that quercetin might also be a friend to irritated or sensitized skin. There are some studies suggesting it can reduce redness and irritation.

Hesperidin

This antioxidant for skin is found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Similar to other flavonoid antioxidants for skin, quercetin, hesperidin acts like a double agent, reducing inflammation and irritation while also working as an antioxidant to fight off damage from the environment. This can help keep your skin looking bright and even-toned. Some studies even suggest hesperidin might be helpful for strengthening your skin’s natural barrier, keeping it healthy and hydrated.

Catechins

Found in green tea, these compounds offer potent antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. Green tea extract is a popular natural antioxidant for skin. The extract is packed with natural antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Green tea extract can also help reduce inflammation, which can be a culprit behind acne and rosacea. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest it might even offer sun protection benefits when used alongside sunscreen.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of natural antioxidants for skin and their benefits can help you choose the right skincare products to protect and rejuvenate your skin. Whether you’re combating wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage, antioxidants are a vital component of an effective skincare routine. And natural sources are an excellent place to look for antioxidants for skin.